Tour Features

About the Experience

A city born in storm, nurtured in rivalry and established as battling ground for European empires.Â This phrase makes prefect understanding of Kochi which was formed as an ancient port city after the Great Floods of the Periyar River in 1341. With partitioning of Chera Kerala empire in 14th century, this region came under control of a new dynasty, rivaled by other local feudal lords. With the advent of colonization, Kochi became the first major battle grounds of almost all European powers. However, least it made an impact over the fortunes of this city.

Pick up from Cruise terminal â€“ a vibrant, historic harbor town by the Arabian Sea. Enjoy a private tour of the old spice market, Christian shrine, Jewish Synagogue and Dutch Palace. Walk through historic buildings filled with contemporary art. Lunch at an art cafe.

Here are some of the places we will visit during this tour:

Old Spice Market:Â Â Tale of this market is fascinating especially when you hear it from the host. Set up because of the trade in the century before last, this market has good smells wafting through. Cloves, Pepper and hundreds of other spices are sold here.

Jewish Synagogue:Â The synagogue was constructed in 1568 after allowing Jewish refugees from Jerusalem to settle here during the Crusades making this the Commonwealth’s oldest Synagogue. This is one of the very few functional synagogues in India and the structure is unique due to influence of native Hindu-Christian architecture as well as the only synagogue having two bimahs. Many Jews lived in the area until the creation of Israel, today there is only a handful.

Dutch Palace:Â Constructed by the Portuguese in 1568 as a gift to Maharaja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma, after he granted permission to construct Fort Immanunel. During the Dutch siege of Kochi, many parts of the original palace were destroyed. However the Dutch Governor repaired the palace and renamed as Dutch Palace. The coronations of Kochi Maharajas are always held here. A large throne and coronation costumes are on display and there is an extensive collection of royal chariots, swords and other artifacts. The most interesting part is the mural room, which has the entire Ramayana and Mahabharat depicted in a single mural.